In the last year or so I got a sudden desire to track down people I had served with in the Big Red One. I didn't know exactly why but I wasn't comfortable with the idea of those people being a memory from something I did once. Lucky for me Facebook made it easy. You articulated what I couldn't. Even serving with other combat veterans on a daily basis only those men have the shared experience of where we were and what we did. Thank you for your service.

OIF 2007-2008 Baghdad Troop Surge (I'm on the right)

Now I have the privilege of leading my own soldiers and I'll be damned if I don't see a familiar looking PFC in a few of them. I can only hope I have the same impact my leaders had on me.

Wearing an All American patch now I'll be at Green Ramp to welcome back the Golden Brigade next week.

Wow, Luni, what a great photo! I totally understand your desire to reconnect with your Big Red One buddies! When you go through "the insanity," you never forget those guys who helped you get home. There's a connection there that will never be broken.

The 82nd is a fine division with a rich heritage. Your time as a grunt will be invaluable now that you're privileged to lead. The fact that you realize what your leaders did for you will be apparent to those you lead. I believe, sir, you'll be an officer of worth. "No mission too difficult, no sacrifice too great, Duty First" will go well with "All the Way."

My most humble thanks for your service, sir. Take care of your soldiers and yourself.